Public Hearing

This episode aired on 12/11/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Introduction:
This week on Public Hearing, we continue our journey through the Worcester City Charter, diving into the critical role of the city manager. As the unelected CEO of the city, the city manager oversees daily operations, manages city agencies, and wields significant influence over financial priorities and community representation. Join me, Joshua Croke, as we explore how t...

This episode aired on 12/04/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Introduction: In this episode of Public Hearing, we continue our conversation with community engagement practitioner Domenica Perrone to explore the intersections of health equity, community engagement, and institutional accountability. Domenica brings her wealth of experience as the Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at UMass Chan Medical School’s Collaborative in Health Equi...

This episode aired on 11/27/24 on WICN 90.5FM

In this episode of Public Hearing, we wrap up Article Two of Worcester’s Home Rule Charter, exploring the structure and powers of the City Council. I’m joined by Domenica Perrone, a passionate community engagement practitioner and advocate for health equity, who shares her insights on Worcester’s governance and the challenges facing our city. Together, we examine how the Charter influenc...

This episode aired on 11/20/24 on WICN 90.5FM

In this second installment of our City Charter series, we dive into Article 2 of Worcester’s Home Rule Charter, which outlines the structure and function of the City Council. This episode focuses on breaking down the roles, powers, and procedures of Worcester’s legislative branch and examining what changes might foster a more equitable and participatory local government.

We explore how th...

This episode aired on 11/13/24 on WICN 90.5FM

In this first installment of our City Charter series, we examine Article 1 of Worcester’s Home Rule Charter, the foundational document that defines our city’s governance structure. This episode is all about making this often overlooked document accessible and engaging so we can better understand the rules guiding how our city is formed and functions.

We cover key concepts like the roles o...

This episode aired on 11/06/24 on WICN 90.5FM

In this episode of Public Hearing, I sit down with Julie Orozco, Executive Director of Abby’s House, a key Worcester organization supporting housing for women and children. We discuss the city’s housing challenges, reflect on our shared experiences in Leadership Worcester, and explore how art, diversity, and advocacy shape a vibrant, healthy community.

Key Topics:

• Intro to Julie Orozco...

This episode aired on 10/30/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! In this episode of Public Hearing, I’m sitting down with Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC), to break down Massachusetts Ballot Question 2: the possible removal of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement. Jen and I explore what it might mean in Mass if districts are left to set their own graduation standards and con...

This episode aired on 10/23/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! Josh here back with another episode of Public Hearing. I’m back with Julie Bowditch, the Executive Director of the CASA Project Worcester County, to dive deeper into the incredible work they do supporting youth in foster care. We discuss what advocacy looks like on the ground, how amplifying the voices of young people can make a real difference, and the importance of bring...

This episode aired on 10/23/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! Public Hearing is back, and I’m excited to dive back into conversations that matter to our city. I’m your host, Joshua Croke, a queer and nonbinary designer, artist, and community advocate with a deep care for driving positive, equity-centered change. In this first return episode, I’m joined by my friend and community powerhouse, Julie Bowditch, Executive Director of the C...

In this special episode of Public Hearing, Josh speaks to Jennifer J. Gaskin, author of the recently released The Exit - Living with Urban Joy. Tune in to hear the inspiration behind Jennifer’s debut book, and explore how faith and cultural traditions like Carnival create opportunities for joy in oppressive environments.

Public Hearing is a podcast from Action! by Design where we explore the unique challenges and opportuni...

This season of Public Hearing has explored Digital Equity efforts across the nation and the variety of innovative community-oriented approaches to getting people connected. How can these strategies be adapted to best serve the Massachusetts Gateway Cities and other communities working towards digital justice?

For the final episode of our Public Hearing Series on Digital Equity, Josh sits down with David LeBoeuf, State Repr...

With everything moving online, what does it take to make communication accessible for all? This season of Public Hearing is tackling all things Digital Equity - from small towns to national organizations - to better understand the obstacles and pathways to closing the digital divide.

In this podcast-exclusive bonus episode, Josh continues their conversation with Katie Hearn, Director of The Detroit Community Technology Pro...

With everything moving online, what does it take to make communication accessible for all? This season of Public Hearing is tackling all things Digital Equity - from small towns to national organizations - to better understand the obstacles and pathways to closing the digital divide.

In our first episode exploring a city outside of Massachusetts, Josh speaks with Katie Hearn, Director of The Detroit Community Technology Pr...

The digital landscape is evolving rapidly. How can communities come together to ensure access for all? This season of Public Hearing is tackling all things Digital Equity - from small towns to national organizations - to better understand the obstacles and pathways to achieving digital equity.

In this episode, Josh sits down with Gina D. Cooper Benjamin, Deputy Director of The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (@netinclu...

We’re already living in the digital revolution. Are we setting our communities up for success? This season of Public Hearing is tackling all things Digital Equity - from small towns to national organizations - to better understand the obstacles and pathways to achieving digital equity.

In this episode, Josh speaks to Marvin Venay, Chief Advocacy Officer at Tech Goes Home (@techgoeshome) about the importance of thinking about individ...

How can our communities adapt to an increasingly online world where broadband access, computing devices, and digital literacy are necessary to fully participate in society? This season of Public Hearing is tackling all things Digital Equity - from small towns to national organizations - to better understand the obstacles and pathways to achieving digital equity.

In this episode of Public Hearing, Josh speaks to Michael DeChiara, Coo...

How can our communities adapt to an increasingly online world where broadband access, computing devices, and digital literacy are necessary to fully participate in society? This season of Public Hearing is tackling all things Digital Equity - from small towns to national organizations - to better understand the obstacles and pathways to achieving digital equity.

To kick us off, we’re talking with Paul Matthews (@PaulFMatthews on Twi...

In this special episode, Josh speaks to Bruja The Villain, founder of The Poet’s Cauldron. Bruja discusses how arts & culture have changed in Worcester, the importance of having space to create art, and what inspired her to start The Poet’s Cauldron, a monthly evening of culture, music, visual, and literary arts in Worcester.

Public Hearing is a podcast from Action! by Design where we explore the unique challenges and opportunit...

In this special episode, Josh sits down with Danielle and Julie Spring, the fabulous wife duo and owners of FEMME. FEMME is a bar and grill for queer women at the center and a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ and "to all humans, who spread love and respect for our community."

FEMME is only one of 25 lesbian bars in the United States, and Danielle and Julie are determined to provide a fun, safe space for all LGBTQ+ peop...